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MITEx A (Wild Geese)

MITEx (Micro-Satellite Technology Experiment) is an
experimental U.S. military project to test whether the advanced technologies embedded in
two miniature satellites and a new upper stage kick motor can operate through the rigors
of spaceflight-

The MITEx experiment will be deployed into a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO), from
which the MITEx Upper stage will put the experiments into a geostationary orbit (GEO).

Once arriving in geostationary orbit, the satellite pair will be deployed from the
stage to begin independent lives examining the value of operating miniature craft from
such a high vantage point above Earth. The demonstration will give military planners
real-life experience to draw upon when designing new projects.

The MiTEx spacecraft weigh about 500 pounds each. Orbital Sciences built one satellite
and Lockheed Martin the other.

The satellites will conduct a variety of experiments in autonomous operations and
maneuvering and station-keeping. Among their applications is probably the inspection of
satellites in the geostationary orbit. Both MITEx satellites maneuvered close to the
defunct DSP 23 early warning satellite, probably to assess the
malfunction. The first made a flyby on December 23 2008 and the second on New Year's
Day 2009.

The price tag for MiTEx has not been released. And the exact parking spots in
geostationary orbit for the two spacecraft aren't being revealed.